Plans for Yough River Park expansion taking shape
CONNELLSVILLE – A road that runs through Widewater Commons will be called Stewart’s Crossing as plans for the expansion of Yough River Park in Connellsville take shape. The name was chosen recently in conjunction with other plans under way to develop the nearby landmark.
Stewart’s Crossing is an area along the Youghiogheny River, adjacent to the bike/hike trail and to the rear of Martin’s Grocery Store in Widewaters Commons, where British Maj. Gen. Edward Braddock and his soldiers crossed over on their way to Fort Duquesne (now Pittsburgh) in 1755, two years after William Stewart had settled on the western shore of the waterway.
The site also drew Zachariah Connell, one of the area’s earliest settlers, according to Karen Hechler, city historian.
“Seeing this area as a natural stopping place for travelers who wanted to build rafts and float them down the river, Connell surveyed a tract of land on the east bank of the Youghiogheny for himself containing 147 acres, which he also called Mud Island,” said Hechler, adding that an additional tract of land was surveyed and later named for Connell. “It was a very important site in colonial times.”
The city redevelopment authority recently submitted a grant application to the Steel Industry Heritage Corp. seeking $28,000 that, if approved, will be added to the $122,000 already set aside by the city to develop the site.
“We are also looking to apply for funding through the state Department of Community and Natural Resources to help defray the costs of the planned construction,” said Ralph Wombacker, authority executive director.
According to preliminary plans, the Stewart’s Crossing parklet is to include a scenic overlook, beehive coke ovens and monuments of Braddock and Gen. George Washington, along with upgrading nearby trail parking facilities.
In a related move, council also agreed to accept the donation of a caboose from its owner Randy Strickler. The train section now sits at the intersection of Route 119 and Crawford Avenue, near the Sheetz convenience store.
Mayor Judy Reed said that the caboose would be relocated to the area near Stewart’s Crossing.
Council also agreed to pay Hilltop Excavating $2,600 to move the caboose.
In other unrelated action, council also conducted the following business:
? Agreed to permit the Connellsville Area Ministerial Association to hold its annual community Palm Sunday march on April 1.
? Appointed Daniel Cocks to the Connellsville Planning Commission.
? Appointed Robert McLuckey to the Connellsville Senior Citizens Center Board of Directors. He replaces longtime member Bonnie Runyon. Also re-appointed Anna Ruth Green and Dorothy Vise to a five-year term.
? Agreed to close Crawford Avenue between Arch and Pittsburgh streets for the annual Geranium Festival May 26.
? Authorized the closing of portions of Crawford Avenue and Pittsburgh Street for the Memorial Day parade May 28.
? Agreed to advertise for sealed bids for the sale of a 2003 Chevrolet Impala police vehicle.
? Added Zachary Leonard, Kevin Ansell, Paul Traynor and Ronald O’Nell to a recreation department part-time substitute list.
? Directed Widmer Engineering Inc. engineer Glenn Wolfe to prepare a Growing Greener grant application on the city’s behalf.